In Europe, 18kt and 14kt carat alloys are commonly used in jewelry, while 9kt gold is popular in Britain. Many countries require every item of gold jewelry to be clearly stamped with its carat value. This hallmarking system was developed in London in the 14th century at Goldsmith’s Hall. Some countries will also demand either for export or import purposes, that the country of origin be stamped alongside the carat value.
Have you ever noticed a series of numbers with a star eg. *1774 stamped on a piece of jewelry? This refers to the factory or designer where the piece was made. The *1774 number is the number allocated to the factory/supplier/designer when he/she registered his/her company.
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9kt, 14kt & 18kt Gold
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011HARDINESS OF GOLD METALS
Monday, October 4th, 2010Yellow Gold: Pure gold which is always yellow is too soft for jewelry use. The metals that are mixed with pure gold for strength can also modify the color of gold resulting in different shades of yellow, white and rose gold.
White Gold: Was originally developed to imitate platinum and is usually an alloy containing 25% nickel and zinc.
Rose Gold: Is created by increasing the copper colored alloys normally found in the composition of gold and decreasing the silver colored alloys zinc, nickel.
If stamped 18kt it contains 75% pure gold
If stamped 14kt it contains 58% pure gold
September Birthstone-Sapphire
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010Birthstone Properties (Sapphire) – Brings physical and emotional balance.
Apart from being September’s birthstone, it is also the gemstone used to commemorate 5th and 45th marriage anniversaries. Prince Charles had chosen a sapphire stone engagement ring for Princess Diana.
The word sapphire derives from the Greek word ‘sapphius’ meaning blue. Tradition has it that priests considered them symbolic of purity and kings for wisdom. Sapphires have the power to banish envy and jealousy and are said to promote fidelity in marriage.
Happy Birthday to all of you born during this month!